This project was placed first in an international competition conducted by the City of Chengdu with entries from UK, France, USA, Australia and Canada. The 10 sq.km site is 40% natural parkland including Phoenix Mountain, an ancient tomb and a temple. The site, 6 km from the centre of Chengdu on the third ring road, is currently occupied by an abandoned military base, and agricultural land. The scheme is comprised of 9 precincts designed so that infrastructure phasing can take place over an extended period of time. Precincts contain recognizable housing forms, some based on traditional Chinese types, and two commercial centres. There is an emphasis on variety within a rigorous urban structure of traditional streets and public spaces.